Re-irradiation of High Grade Gliomas: a Quality of Life Study

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Patients with a high grade glioma have an increasing overall survival and progression free survival after initial treatment. Because of a better performance status these patients are more often eligible for re-treatment with for example radiotherapy. However, to date only a few prospective studies on re-irradiation of gliomas exist and very little is known about the effects of re-irradiation on quality of life and cognition. This trial is designed to longitudinally establish the effects of re-irradiation on quality of life, cognition and physical performance in patients with a high grade glioma. Based on the currently available information the investigators hypothesize that quality of life after re-irradiation can be kept stable until further tumour progression.

The EORTC QLQ-C30 is a questionnaire developed to assess the quality of life of cancer patients. It is supplemented by disease specific modules for e.g. Breast, Lung, Head & Neck, Oesophageal, Ovarian, Gastric, Cervical cancer, Multiple Myeloma, Oesophago-Gastric, Prostate, Colorectal Liver Metastases, Colorectal and Brain cancer which are distributed from the EORTC Quality of Life Department. Other disease specific modules are under development but not yet validated.

Other: EORTC QLQ-BN20

The EORTC QLQ-C30 is a questionnaire developed to assess the quality of life of cancer patients. It is supplemented by disease specific modules for e.g. Breast, Lung, Head & Neck, Oesophageal, Ovarian, Gastric, Cervical cancer, Multiple Myeloma, Oesophago-Gastric, Prostate, Colorectal Liver Metastases, Colorectal and Brain cancer which are distributed from the EORTC Quality of Life Department. Other disease specific modules are under development but not yet validated.

Other: Hopkins Verbal Learning Test-Revised (HVLT-R)

The HVLT-R is a cognitive test to assess verbal learning and memory.

Other: Stroop color-word test

The Stroop Color and Word Test is a brief five minute test which is used to assess brain dysfunction, cognition, and psychopathology.

Other: Controlled oral word association test (COWA)

The COWA is a measure of verbal fluency that requires expressive language and executive functions.

Other: Jamar hand dynamometer

The Jamar hand dynamometer is a screening instrument that is used to assess grip strength.

Other: EORTC QLQ- FA13

The Fatigue Questionnaire (QLQ-FA13) is a 13-item questionnaire to assess fatigue in patients with cancer. It is meant to be used in conjunction with the EORTC QLQ-C30

Other: Trail Making Test (TMT)

The TMT The Trail Making Test is a neuropsychological test of visual attention and task switching. It consists of two parts in which the subject is instructed to connect a set of 25 dots as fast as possible while still maintaining accuracy.

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Ages Eligible for Study:

18 Years and older (Adult, Senior)

Sexes Eligible for Study:

All

Accepts Healthy Volunteers:

No

Sampling Method:

Probability Sample

Study Population

The study population will consist of subjects with a histologically proven high-grade glioma (anaplastic astrocytoma, anaplastic oligodendroglioma or glioblastoma multiforme) at primary diagnosis, who are now eligible for re-irradation because of a recurrence.